Most people associate losing their teeth with old age. So, people are surprised when they might begin to lose their teeth when they are only in their 30s. Most people who experience teeth loss when they are in this age group suffer from periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a type of gum disease that damages the tissues around the teeth. Since the tissue becomes weak, many people begin to have tooth loss. Periodontal disease usually progresses very slowly, so many people have time to get treatment from the dentist.
However, signs are not always noticeable, so it’s important to get regular checkups with the dentist. Dentists will be able to get ahead of the issue and begin treatment before it becomes an irreversible problem.
While teeth loss can affect people of any age, it’s most common among those who are in their 30s. It might be more common if you did not take good care of your teeth when you were young.
Genetics can also lead to gum disease, so you might be more likely to develop it in your 30s if you have a relative who also had gum disease at a young age.
Preventing Periodontitis
The first thing you can do to try and prevent periodontitis is by creating a good oral routine at home. This includes brushing and flossing every day. Some people also choose to get a water flosser.
You should also be going to the dentist every 6 months. The doctors can check your gums during these visits and determine if there are any issues. A good dentist should check your teeth as well as your gums.
If they notice any serious issues, they might recommend you come in for checkups more often. They might also recommend you switch to a different kind of toothpaste or toothbrush that will allow you to clean your mouth better.
Tips for Preventing Periodontitis
Since periodontitis is the major reason for tooth loss for people in their 30s or 40s, you will want to make sure you are doing everything you can to protect your teeth. Protecting your teeth will also protect your overall health and save you money from having to get dental implants or dentures in the future.
Here are the main tips to follow to keep your teeth strong and healthy:
- Visit the dentist twice a year to make sure all plaque and tartar buildup is removed
- Use toothpaste with fluoride to prevent cavities
- Brush in small circles along your gum line
- Brush for two to three minutes twice a day
- Floss everyday
- Consider using mouthwash to rinse out plaque and bacteria
- Try not to smoke or use tobacco products
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid eating high acid and high sugar foods
- Seek dental care right away for pain or cavities
Reasons Why You Might Lose Your Teeth at 30
As stated above, the main reason for tooth loss before getting old is because of periodontitis. This is usually caused by not receiving regular dental checkups and not practicing good oral hygiene habits at home.
There are a few other reasons though why you might see tooth loss even if you are keeping up with your oral hygiene routines.
Gender
Men tend to be more likely to lose teeth at a younger age than women. Make sure to take extra care of your dental health before you reach the age of 30, so you don’t experience issues later in life.
Age
Age is one of the main reasons why people experience weaker teeth. Your risk of losing teeth increases by the mid-30s. Although your body might feel young and active, your gums and teeth might already be at an increased risk for problems.
Lifestyle
If you chew tobacco or smoke, your chance of losing teeth is greatly increased. Smoking changes the bacteria in your mouth which can cause bad bacteria to grow and overtake the mouth. You should consider quitting smoking and chewing tobacco as soon as possible.
If you have diabetes, your chance of getting gum disease is also increased. Try and keep your blood sugar under control. You might also need to see the dentist more often if they think it’s necessary.
Dealing With Tooth Loss
If you find yourself in your 30s and dealing with tooth loss, the first thing you should do is consult with your dentist. They will be able to advise you on steps you can take to prevent further tooth loss.
They might also recommend you to get dental implants if you are losing teeth quickly and the gum damage is not reversible.
Many dentists will recommend that you can dental implants as they are much more practical than dentures. Dental implants also keep your mouth ligaments and muscles strong so that your existing teeth have less of a chance of falling out.
Osseointegration
Unlike dentures, dental implants encourage bone growth around the implant. This allows the implant to be locked into the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration. After getting your implants, it will take about 3 to 6 months to occur.
This is part of the reason why your dentist might recommend dental implants over dentures. There will be a structural connection between your gums and your implants. The bony tissue will also begin to grow into the dental implant so that bone will be directly connected to your implant.
Once the osseointegration process has occurred, the implants are also strong enough to support dental bridges and crowns should you need them.
This is also what encourages bone retention. When a tooth falls out, the bone that held it in place no longer has a purpose so it begins to deteriorate. As you have bone loss, the shape and structure of your jaw might change and become thinner.
Bone loss is one reason why dentures become loose. With dental implants though, the implant connects to the bone. This encourages the bone to continue to work and become stronger which means your bone will not deteriorate.
Getting Dental Implants
Since dental implants can be a better option for your overall health than dentures, many dentists recommend them. However, they can be the more expensive option. If you choose to get dental implants, you will want to work with a reputable dentist that has done many dental implant procedures in the past.
Dental implants can be virtually pain-free when done correctly. They can also boost your self-confidence and prevent further tooth loss.
Effects of Tooth Loss
There are many effects of tooth loss and not all are physical although the main concern is that the jawbone will become weak. When the bone is no longer being stimulated, it can begin to weaken and have major issues.
This bone loss can also change your facial appearance. You might notice yourself looking different when you see yourself in the mirror. This can cause a loss of self-confidence or even an identity crisis in some people.
Tooth loss can also cause many different kinds of mental problems as losing teeth can affect the way you view yourself. Many people also become embarrassed to go places or to visit friends if tooth loss is severe.
If you receive dentures and feel uncomfortable with the fit or appearance, you can also have issues eating especially in public or when around other people.
Final Thoughts
Tooth loss in your 30s is not uncommon, but it’s still something you should be aware of so that you can prevent it as much as you can. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss among people in their 30s. Luckily, this can be prevented with proper oral care and regular dental checkups.
If you find yourself with tooth loss, always visit the dentist. They might recommend dental implants to keep your jaw strong.
